In a statement released on Monday, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni reminded the public that Sildenafil is a prescription-only medicine and should not be sold freely over the counter in pharmacies or shops.
The drug is mainly prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction in men and a serious condition known as pulmonary arterial hypertension.
According to the Ministry, taking Sildenafil without medical advice can pose serious health risks, especially for people with heart conditions.
PS Muthoni warned that using the drug without proper guidance, or mixing it with certain heart and blood pressure medications, can lead to dangerous complications. These include sudden drops in blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.
She emphasized that many people are unaware of the risks involved and often take the drug casually, believing it to be harmless.
“Sildenafil can cause life-threatening effects when misused. Patients must consult qualified health professionals before using it,” Muthoni said.
To address the problem, the Ministry announced the introduction of a new monitoring system that will require pharmacies to properly document and report all sales of prescription-only medicines.
PS Muthoni warned that using the drug without proper guidance, or mixing it with certain heart and blood pressure medications, can lead to dangerous complications. These include sudden drops in blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.
She emphasized that many people are unaware of the risks involved and often take the drug casually, believing it to be harmless.
“Sildenafil can cause life-threatening effects when misused. Patients must consult qualified health professionals before using it,” Muthoni said.
To address the problem, the Ministry announced the introduction of a new monitoring system that will require pharmacies to properly document and report all sales of prescription-only medicines.
The aim is to track how such drugs reach consumers and to prevent them from leaking into informal or illegal markets.
Under the new system, pharmacies will be required to keep clear records showing valid prescriptions before dispensing Sildenafil. Health authorities will regularly review these records to ensure compliance with the law.
In addition, the Ministry plans to carry out frequent inspections and audits of pharmacies across the country. These checks will focus on whether controlled medicines are being sold legally and responsibly.
PS Muthoni made it clear that pharmacies found violating the rules will face tough action, including penalties and possible closure.
Beyond enforcement, the government is also planning public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of self-medicating with prescription drugs.
Under the new system, pharmacies will be required to keep clear records showing valid prescriptions before dispensing Sildenafil. Health authorities will regularly review these records to ensure compliance with the law.
In addition, the Ministry plans to carry out frequent inspections and audits of pharmacies across the country. These checks will focus on whether controlled medicines are being sold legally and responsibly.
PS Muthoni made it clear that pharmacies found violating the rules will face tough action, including penalties and possible closure.
Beyond enforcement, the government is also planning public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of self-medicating with prescription drugs.
These campaigns will also inform Kenyans about the legal consequences of buying or selling prescription-only medicines without authorization.
The new measures follow a recent Citizen TV documentary titled “Blues and Death”, which highlighted disturbing cases of abuse of sexual performance-enhancing drugs.
The new measures follow a recent Citizen TV documentary titled “Blues and Death”, which highlighted disturbing cases of abuse of sexual performance-enhancing drugs.
The investigation revealed how weak enforcement and loopholes in the system allowed some pharmacies to sell Sildenafil without prescriptions or proper medical advice.
The documentary showed how easy access to the drug had led to misuse among young men and other vulnerable groups, some of whom reportedly suffered serious health complications after taking the pills.
Health experts say the growing black market for such drugs is driven by stigma, lack of awareness, and the desire for quick solutions without visiting a doctor.
The Ministry of Health says the new regulations are meant to protect lives, not to deny patients access to legitimate treatment.
The documentary showed how easy access to the drug had led to misuse among young men and other vulnerable groups, some of whom reportedly suffered serious health complications after taking the pills.
Health experts say the growing black market for such drugs is driven by stigma, lack of awareness, and the desire for quick solutions without visiting a doctor.
The Ministry of Health says the new regulations are meant to protect lives, not to deny patients access to legitimate treatment.
Officials insist that people who genuinely need Sildenafil will still be able to get it—provided they follow the correct medical process.
The government has urged the public to report pharmacies or sellers who continue to sell the drug illegally. Kenyans are also being encouraged to seek medical advice instead of relying on unverified products.
The government has urged the public to report pharmacies or sellers who continue to sell the drug illegally. Kenyans are also being encouraged to seek medical advice instead of relying on unverified products.
